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Philadelphia International Music Festival - Italy
July 30 - August 9, 2025 | Cremona, Italy
The Philadelphia Interantional Music Festival – Italy (July 30 – August 9, 2025) is designed for advanced violinists and cellists 13-19 years of age preparing for upcoming solo performances and competitions. This exciting new program will include: three private lessons, daily 30-minute workout sessions with an assigned faculty accompanist, daily hour-long solo performance classes, five hours of required daily private practice, and a week-ending Grand Finale Recital in one of the stunning performance halls in Cremona.
Students and families will both reside in Cremona, Italy, enjoying authentic Italian-style meals throughout the week-long program. While students are in training, guests attending the “Family & Friends” program will tour the surrounding towns via Luxury Motorcoach. Destinations include Busseto, Modens, Milan, Verona, Parma and Bologna! Students will join the traveling adventures at the conclusion of the Grand Finale performance at Cremona’s Ponchielli Opera House – touring with the full group from August 6 through our departure on August 9.
Festival Locations:
Ponchielli
Opera House
C. Monteverdi
Institute of Music
Cremona
Violin Museum
Festival Day Trips:
National Museum of Giuseppe Verdi-Busseto
Luciano Pavarotti Museum - Modena
La Scala
Opera House
Doa Modi B Milano & Gallery Vittorio Emanuele - Milan
Arena di Verona -
Verona
Porretto Pastry Factory - Bologna
Highlights
Session Dates
Accomodations
11-Day Schedule
Audition Information
Fees & Payment Options
FAQ
Highlights
- Three private lessons
- Daily thirty minute workouts with assigned faculty accompanist
- Daily hour-long solo performance classes
- Four-five hours of required daily private practice
- Week-ending Grand Finale Recital in one of Cremona’s stunning performance halls
Session Dates
July 30 – August 9, 2025
Accomodations
- Festival participants will reside at the Liceo Vida High School in the heart of historic Cremona, Italy
- Family and friends participating in the PIMF Italy Tour Package will reside in Hotel Astoria Cremona – just a few steps from the Duomo and the Torrazzo.
11-Day Schedule
Family & Friends:
- Day 1: Travel from New York City to Northern Italy.
- Day 2: Tour Cremona, Italy – the city of Violins
- Day 3 – 10: Eight-Day Tour of Northern Italy including the following destinations:
- Busseto, Modena, Milan, Verona, Bologna, Venice, Lake Como
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to New York City
Festival Participants:
- Day 1: Travel from New York City to Northern Italy
- Day 2: Tour Cremona, Italy – the City of Violins
- Day 3 – 7: Festival Activities with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra in Historic Cremona, Italy
- Day 8 – 10: Three Day Tour of Northern Italy including the following destinations:
- Milan, Verona, Venice
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to New York City
Audition Information
Entrance into this program is by audition only. It is one of our most competitive programs – with a limited capacity of 25 participants. We strongly recommend interested musicians to audition as early as possible!
Audition Requirements:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- Audition recordings should include at least two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument.
Fees & Payment Options
Fees and Payment Options:
- Students: $5950
- Family & Friends: $4950
FAQ
When is the audition deadline for PIMF Italy?
Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early auditioning is highly recommended.
Is there required audition repertoire for PIMF Italy?
Please go to the “Audition Information” tab for additional information.
How do I submit my audition materials?
PIMF uses the online portal Acceptd for all auditions. For detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, click here and choose “How to Upload Your Audition File” at the bottom of the page.
How will I know if the Program is full?
Once the program is filled to capacity, a note will be added to the page on our website. If you do not see “Filled to Capacity” at the top of the program page, we are still accepting auditions.
What if I need technical help with submitting my online audition materials?
Please feel free to contact our Operations Director at jacob.heil@pimf.org, or contact Acceptd support directly.
Is transportation included in the “Fees & Payment Options”?
No. Detailed flight information will be sent under separate cover upon registration. Group flights will be leaving from New York on Monday, July 28th.
Can Family and Friends attend PIMF Italy?
Yes! Family and friends are encouraged to join us! Please see the “Fees and Payment Options” tab for details.